Minggu, 08 Juli 2018

I have for some time wondered what the area around Lake Toba in North Sumatra would be like to ride. I was not able to find any bike rental previously but by chance met someone from the area via Instagram who gave me some advice including how I can easy rent a scooter on Samosir island. To get there I flew to Jakarta from Labuan Bajo after my ride in Flores. I was still recovering from food

Sabtu, 07 Juli 2018

Continuing my ride on the island of Flores, from Riung I cross a series of mountains as I travel south. I was expecting the road to be ok as this route was suggested to me however that is not the case. The road is about 40% acceptable tar and 60% very poor surface. However it is scenic and a pleasant day so no complaints. Once back to Bajawa I returned to the southern route I rode over from

Rabu, 04 Juli 2018

It rained last night and the clouds were still clinging to the mountains in the morning so I slept in.Eventually I set off to visit the Kelimutu volcano with its three colour crater lakes on the insistence of the lodge owner that ‘no problem can see can see’.Nope. Half way up the dusty road I turned around.Couple of consolation photos then are this giant bamboo bike. And a selfie. Actually I’m

Senin, 11 Juni 2018

There’s a title you don’t see every day on a blog.This is a part of Indonesia, a country most Australians only know as Bali. But Indonesia is a staggeringly diverse place with 300 different ethnic groups, 700 different languages and 17,000 islands.I previously completed a ride in East Java and I had an idea to ride back to Yogyakarta from Bali one way. Then a blogger I follow Aki posted about

Kamis, 07 Juni 2018

After repeatedly getting wet I have come to the conclusion that Gore-tex rider gear loses its water resistance over time.My experience has been that the gear works exceptionally well the first ride season then the water resistance next season is slightly less but still passable if not all day rain however from there on it no longer works so well and gets clammy inside and damp right through after

Jumat, 01 Juni 2018

Reminder to myself. Facebook groups have replaced forums. The trolls and bombastic zealots hiding behind aliases have migrated over. With the odd exception better off to avoid these places.And on a positive note – comments have been fixed for the blog.I was not aware turning on Google+ commenting meant disabling regular comment from non Google members – sorry to anyone who wanted to comment last

Selasa, 29 Mei 2018

Today was a very important day weather wise because I had saved what might possibly be the best viewpoint to last.When designing this tour I told myself not to count on more than 50% fine days, but I have been very lucky indeed and today that continues with glorious blue skies. From Hiroshima prefecture I will ride across the Inland Sea via a series of impressive bridges, on a most amazing road